Background
Colombia is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, paramos, and mangroves, each hosting numerous endemic species and crucial ecosystem services. Despite its lush environment with high humidity and rainfall, the country faces significant forest fire risks, particularly during dry seasons and El Niño events. Human activities like agriculture, deforestation, illegal logging, and livestock grazing exacerbate these risks, posing socioeconomic challenges for local administrations, indigenous groups, and rural communities across Colombia.
Forest fires threaten human settlements, agricultural lands, biodiversity hotspots, vital ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods, resulting in loss of life, property damage, displacement, and economic disruption.
Effective fire management is crucial for mitigating these impacts, conserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development in Colombia. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates scientific knowledge, traditional practices, and innovative technologies, Colombia can bolster its resilience against fire risks and achieve its conservation and development objectives.
CTCN Support
The primary goal of this technical assistance initiative is to develop a comprehensive National Plan for integrated fire management in Colombia. This plan will include short, medium, and long-term strategies that integrate environmental management, fire management, and disaster risk management related to forest fires.
Additionally, the technical assistance will support the entities within the National Environmental System (SINA), the National Climate Change System (SISCLIMA), and the National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD).
Furthermore, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of personnel within these institutions and entities involved in fire management. It will also promote initiatives and actions that foster gender equality, empower women in forestry roles, and improve gender dynamics within teams dedicated to integrated fire management in Colombia.
Expected outcome
The formulation of a National Plan for the Comprehensive Management of Fire in Colombia, with short, medium, and long-term projections, will integrate environmental management, fire management, and disaster risk management within the National Environmental System (SINA), National Climate Change System (SISCLIMA), and National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD). This effort aims to increase resilience and enhance capacities in fire and forest fire management nationwide, thereby enabling the effective implementation of the comprehensive fire management plan.
Seeking Experts
The UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) invites its Network members to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop a National Plan for Integrated Fire Management in Colombia.
Please refer to the processes and documentation available here and here.
Deadline for submission: August 12, 2024
If you are not a CTCN network member yet, you may apply here.
